Photo by: Sabin Orr
If you are a fan of Italian food, as I am, you’ll find one of the best options in Las Vegas at Resorts World Las Vegas. Brezza, a relaxed yet elegant destination in the District, is helmed (and owned) by chef Nicole Brisson, who over the last few years has created a home away from home for her guests, and it is one restaurant I recommend time and time again, both for the ambience and the food.
One of the first things you should do when arriving for lunch or dinner is to order a drink. Yes, day drink if you must! Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and happy hour is from 3-6 p.m. daily in the attractive little lounge near the restaurant’s entrance. Two specialty cocktails to try are the Succosa spritz, a light sip of Dharma gin, Chinoa passion fruit liqueur, lime and passion fruit, with bubbly prosecco and ginger ale. The mezcal Negroni is also surprisingly light, with Lobos 1707 Artesanal mezcal, Campari and Carpano Antico. Wine by the glass and bottled beer, like the award-winning Italian Birrificio del Ducato Verdi imperial stout, will hold up well to rich dishes.
The appetizers and salads here are sublime. If, like me, you’ve been to Brezza a few times, absolutely get your favorites: the heirloom caprese, a marvel of simplicity and deliciousness with buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto and a conserved tomato, something Brisson created to pay homage to time she spent working in kitchens in Italy; and the charred octopus, served with gigante beans and cured pork jowl.
Pasta dishes bring a variety of rich flavor, from bucatini alla amitriciana with guanciale and Fresno chile to cappellacci oreganata with cauliflower, spinach and capers. Some dishes change seasonally, reflecting both available produce and seasonal suitability, such as the heritage squash agnolotti, a magnificent dish with trumpet mushrooms, walnut, sage and brown butter. It is so very rich and decadent, and every bite leaves you with a smile. (And if a special is offered, absolutely order it. A simple dish of spaghetti and truffle is sure to make you swoon!)
Photo by: Sabin Orr
Should you be a fan of the beef, you won’t want to overlook chef Brisson’s dry-aged steaks—cuts that are aged up to 130 days. Brisson is an expert in this area, having served as executive chef for a well-known Vegas steakhouse for many years. Among your carne options are a porterhouse, tomahawk, Cape Grim New York strip and a bone-in New York Strip; filet mignon, chicken cacciatore and braised short rib. Add contorni like the mascarpone mashed potatoes, with a poached egg, guanciale and pickled peppers for a continuation of the richness—the egg is an amazing addition for the starchy side. The beans and greens with escarole and Bloomsdale spinach tastes like home indeed (although Brisson’s version may be a bit better than Mom’s).
Order a cup of coffee while you wait for dessert; it’s such a civilized feeling. The pumpkin panna cotta with pepitas is silky smooth, while the New York-style cheesecake is heaven, a rich yet easy mouthful to savor.
Feast of the Seven Fishes
On Dec. 24, Brezza presents its Feast of the Seven Fishes. The special menu features baked clams ’nduja, pan-seared scallops with pork frizzérati, and whole branzino with eggplant caponata, among several other dishes; it’s not to be missed.
Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6014 or rwlasvegas.com
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